Pianist Bruce Dudley leads an outstanding quartet through an evening of jazz classics and original compositions, including new works such as Suite Angel and Klaebo's Gold, joined by saxophonist Don Aliquo, bassist Jack Aylor, and drummer Ryan Brasley.
Bruce Dudley is a Steinway Concert Artist and has been performing jazz piano for over 40 years on concert stages, in clubs, and private residences throughout North and South America. He specializes in the Great American Songbook, as well as in the rich history of American jazz styles, from Ragtime and Stride to Modernism, Post Modernism, and performance of original music. In addition to his work as a solo artist, he leads a trio, quartet, and larger ensembles, with horns and/or strings, while also enlisting the award winning voice of his wife, Sandra Dudley. An active educator, Dudley has presented clinics across Canada, the United States, and in Colombia, South America. His recordings as a leader include DPSW Quartet - Live at the Cave (2019), The Solo Sessions (2012), Mostly Monk (2010), and Semblance (1997). Dudley has also performed with artists Aretha Franklin, Crystal Gayle, Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Herb Ellis, Randy Brecker, Little Anthony and the Imperials, the Ink Spots, and has played keyboards for over 35 touring Broadway shows, including Beautiful, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Guys and Dolls, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, Legally Blonde, among others. Bruce Dudley has published articles for Downbeat magazine and presented scholarly research at conferences in the Netherlands, Canada, and the United States. His book 25 Piano Etudes in Idiomatic Styles was published in 2021 by Keuka Waters Music. Dudley is Associate Professor of Music at Belmont University. He has a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Colorado, a Master of Music in Jazz Performance from the Eastman School of Music, and a Bachelor of Science in Music Business and Technology from New York University.
"As the leader, Dudley set the evening's tone with a supple, rich blend of assertive melodic statements, delightful accompaniment, first-rate phrasing, counterpoint and harmonizing." Ron Wynn - ArtsNash
"Dudley, whose fluent lines jet around the keyboard, absorbing motifs into the stream, without a split second of hesitation, at any point of rhythm in the bar, are stunning to listen to…" - HALIFAX CHRONICLE HERALD
"Dudley plays the piano with such grace and authority that he has quietly become the pianists that other pianists go to hear." - HOUSTON POST
Don Aliquo's playing has been described as possessing an "unfailing feel for breath and phrasing" while extremely supple in the addressing of his axe but always zeroed in on what he's describing. Aliquo has released six solo projects and has worked collaboratively or performed as a sideman on many others. His previous solo cd "Sun and Shield" features veteran jazz masters Rufus Reid, Jim McNeely, and the dynamic Obed Calvaire. Notable collaborations include quartet recordings with Roger Humphries and the late Beegie Adair. He also has recorded with his mentor, notable Pittsburgh tenor stalwart, Don Aliquo Sr. on the MCG label. Don has performed in concerts and recordings with many world-class artists including Gary Burton, Greg Osby, Rufus Reid, Roger Humphries, Harold Danko, Adam Nussbaum, Donald Brown, Pete Christlieb, Scott Robinson, and Bobby Shew. Don is Professor of Saxophone and Jazz Studies at Middle Tennessee State University. He is a Selmer and Vandoren artist.
Nashville bassist Jack Aylor has established himself as one of the city's premier jazz accompanists, admired for his lyrical playing, unwavering groove, and musical sensitivity. After studying in New York with bass legends Ron Carter, Ben Wolfe, Ugonna Okegwo, and James Genus, Aylor returned to Nashville, where he has performed with an impressive roster of internationally acclaimed artists including Jason Moran, Delfeayo Marsalis, Dave Kikoski, Oz Noy, Chester Thompson, Rahsaan Barber, Roland Barber, Don Sickler, Luther Allison, Tim Green, and Alex Hoffman. Whether anchoring a swinging quartet or navigating modern jazz, Aylor brings a deep sense of melody, interaction, and rhythmic authority to every performance. He also serves as a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University, helping mentor the next generation of jazz musicians.
Originating from Chicago, Illinois, drummer, percussionist, educator and composer Ryan Brasley has a career spanning over the last 15 years. Ryan began his musical journey in the Indie/ Alternative rock world as a founding member of The Giving Moon. During this time he had the opportunity to perform across the country working with artists such as Eddie Money, Edgar Winters, and producer Gary Hoey who oversaw the creation of the bands first album. As he grew older, Ryan discovered a passion for jazz and improvised music which lead him to pursue and complete a degree in Jazz Studies and Contemporary Media from the prestigious Eastman School of Music. During his education, Ryan had the privilege of studying under world renowned factually such as Rich Thompson, Gary Versace, Bill Dobbins, Harold Danko, and others. Over the course of his degree, Ryan not only had the chance to perform with world class artists but also had frequent opportunities to teach in the greater Rochester, NY community. Since moving to Nashville, TN in the last 3 years, Ryan has maintained and active schedule teaching from his private studio and freelancing, performing regularly with local artists such as Don Aliquo, Joel Frahm, Pat Coil, Jonathan Wires, as well as being a regular performer at Skulls Rainbow Room.
